Heading north from Westminster in Carroll County, Maryland, you may have passed by a place known as Union Mills Homestead Historic District. The site comprises an old historic home, brick mills, several other buildings, and even a Bollman-design bridge. But what is it exactly?
Despite the lesser-known somewhat unassuming nature surrounding Union Mills, it does boast a fascinating backstory as a family-founded, thriving business and residential homestead. To fully understand and appreciate the heritage and history of Union Mills, though, you need to learn more about the family and, by extension, the property’s overall developmental timeline. That’s why for this Flashback Friday Feature I’m detailing the unique story behind the establishment of Union Mills Homestead.
It All Started with the Shriver Family
The story surrounding the establishment and eventual growth of Union Mills begins with a little who’s who of its founders’ family. I am referring to the now-renowned Shriver family and its earliest descendants, who emigrated to the New World from Germany in the early 1700s. They arrived by way of Philadelphia.
Andrew Shriver moved to the Schuylkill River in eastern Pennsylvania, where he honed his skills as a tanner and apprenticed as a shoemaker. Later, in 1734, he relocated to the Conewago region in Pennsylvania.
It was here that his son David was born. David Shriver, Sr. and his wife, Rebecca Ferree Shriver, would go on to move to Frederick County, Maryland, and operate various businesses, including that of a grist mill and tannery. A noted Patriot of the American Revolution, Shriver was once an officer in the Maryland Militia.
He also became very active in the political arena, having served in the Conventions of Maryland, the Lower House of the Maryland Legislature, and the Senate. His connection to Union Mills is that of being the father of its two founders—David Shriver, Jr. and Andrew Shriver.
Brothers Build a Business Together
It was in 1797 that brothers Andrew Shriver and David Shriver, Jr. joined together to create a combined business venture. Andrew Shriver owned and operated a store and tavern in Littlestown, Pennsylvania. David had been working as a civil engineer in Maryland.
The name “Union Mills” was a two-fold derivative. It was taken from the two mills (grist and saw mill), which were central to all onsite operations. It also served as a nod to the two brothers working together as a united force—a “union” they formed.
They chose to settle a tract of land along Big Pipe Creek in what was at the time considered part of Frederick County (now Carroll County). They selected this site given its access point into Pennsylvania and westward travel. The water would effectively and conveniently power the property’s established mills.
In their venture, the two brothers utilized all those skills previously instilled in them by their father and grandfather. Their farming know-how also helped them in creating a venture that proved to be successful and lucrative.
Family Affairs
Despite the thriving scene that emerged at Union Mills, David Shriver, Jr. decided to leave the business for Andrew to take over entirely. He settled in nearby Westminster soon after and was later appointed Superintendent of Construction of the Reisterstown Turnpike.
In the following years, Andrew Shriver continued expanding the operations onsite at Union Mills. The site grew to include a tannery, general store, and post office in addition to the original saw and grist mill.
Without David serving as an active co-owner, Andrew led the growing enterprise of Union Mills. He became an active member of the community and was even appointed a Justice of the Peace and postmaster of the area. Andrew Shriver’s descendants also became active in helping to continue onsite operations.
Union Mills remained a family venture throughout its tenure, even though its members didn’t always see eye-to-eye. The conflict and division they experienced during the American Civil War were proof of that. At the time, brothers Andrew K. and William were overseeing operations at Union Mills with Andrew supporting the Union and William siding with the Confederates. Click here to read more about the Civil War story as it unfolded at Union Mills Homestead.
Union Mills History, Preserved
The family lived on the site of the Union Mills Homestead until the 1950s when it was taken over by three fifth-generation descending brothers—Frederic Shriver Klein, Philip S. Klein, and Richard H. Klein. With two of them being professional historians with an initiative to establish the site’s historical significance, the brothers decided to open a private museum on location.
They also established the Union Mills Homestead Foundation, Inc. in 1964. Its mission was to operate, preserve, and maintain the site and to secure appropriate preservation funding. Ownership was transferred from the family to the Foundation in 1970, and in 1971 Union Mills Homestead Historic District was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Carroll County took control in 1976, leasing the property back to the Foundation along with the physical artifacts contained in the museum’s holdings.
The Union Mills of Today
The historic preservation and integrity of Union Mills remain intact, with the Foundation actively running the show and all onsite operations. The site has undergone several restorations and renovations through the years and the museum continues to thrive.
Visitors to the site today can embark on public tours of the premises and enjoy a host of special seasonal events that take place here annually. Coming up on August 3, for instance, is their 53rd Annual Old-Fashioned Corn Roast Festival. The 18th Maryland Microbrewery Festival will occur on September 28. Other upcoming events include the Mason-Dixon Jeep Gathering on October 20 and their traditional German-style Christkindlmarkt on November 23. Click here to learn more about all these events.
In addition to the seasonal and public touring events as well as the interactive programs offered onsite, Union Mills Homestead can be rented out for hosting private events and parties. This includes scenic weddings done in a pristine and historic setting or any other celebratory milestone or event.
Union Mills Homestead is located at 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster, MD 21158. Hours of operation are daily (except for Monday) between June and August, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (weekdays) and noon to 4 p.m. (weekends). During May and September, operations are on weekends only, from noon to 4 p.m. The cost of admission is $8 a person for a combination house and mill tour. For all other additional information, visit www.unionmills.org.